Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Ankheg

Large · Monstrosity · CR 2 · Unaligned

Source. 5e 2024 Rules

14 (natural armor)

45 (6d10 + 12)

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

DEX

CON

INT

-5

WIS

CHA

-2

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Large

Type Monstrosity

Alignment Unaligned

XP 450

Initiative Bonus +0

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Burrow 10 ft (3 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Tremorsense 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 11

Saving Throws

Strength +3 Dexterity +0 Constitution +2 Intelligence -5 Wisdom +1 Charisma -2

Traits

Tunneler

The ankheg can burrow through solid rock at half its Burrow Speed and leaves a 10-foot-diameter tunnel in its wake.

Actions

Acid Spray

Recharge 6 Cost 1

Dexterity Saving Throw: DC 12, each creature in a 30-foot-long, 5-foot-wide Line. Failure: 14 (4d6) Acid damage. Success: Half damage.

Bite

Cost 1

Melee Attack Roll: +5 (with Advantage if the target is Grappled by the ankheg), reach 5 ft. 10 (2d6 + 3) Slashing damage plus 3 (1d6) Acid damage. If the target is a Large or smaller creature, it has the Grappled condition (escape DC 13).

About Ankheg

Ankheg is a large monstrosity with a Challenge Rating of 2. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 14 and possesses 45 hit points (derived from 6d10 + 12).

GM Tips: Using Ankheg

1 tips available

When using Ankheg in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Burrowing Tactics: This creature can burrow at 10 ft. It can ambush from underground or escape combat by digging. Use 'Earthbind' or create difficult terrain to limit burrowing. Consider fighting in areas without soft ground.

Player Guide: Facing Ankheg

1 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

Burrowing Defense: This creature can burrow at 10 ft! It can ambush from underground. Use 'Earthbind', create difficult terrain, or fight on hard surfaces. 'Stone Shape' can seal burrows.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 2.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 4 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 600 XP
Hard: 900 XP
Deadly: 1,200 XP

Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the challenge rating of Ankheg?: Ankheg has a Challenge Rating of 2, making it appropriate for parties of level 2.0.
What type of creature is Ankheg?: Ankheg is a Large Monstrosity, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.